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Board should have donated buses immediately

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times.

To say I was flabbergasted to read this is putting it mildly. What were the Hernando County School Board members thinking of in this very crucial time?

These old buses, regardless of their condition, should have been handed over immediately to the Holy Ground homeless shelter when the need was so great. So, they fear a breakdown, accident or injury, even though the board attorney offered his professional help to overcome this obstacle? Still they refused.

How this bunch can sleep at night is beyond me. I hope their nightmares are a continual replay of this, the greatest catastrophe to hit our United States. Think of the innocent people - homeless, penniless, desolate, sick at heart and mind, and in dire need.

Board showed no concern for fellow citizens

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times.

The time is now for all residents to stand and make a difference. For years, our School Board has been left to muddle through difficult situations seemingly unmonitored and out of control. The latest joke is the situation with the the board not voting to donate old school buses to help relief efforts in and near New Orleans. Give us a break! Do the board members have any level of compassion, intelligence or concern for these poor, devastated citizens?

Caring about our fellow citizens is the foundation of what has made our nation what it is today. Having witnessed firsthand the devastation of the terrorist attacks in New York City, it gave me a great deal of pride to see how such a diverse group of individuals can pool resources together for the benefit of all.

If it were up to our School Board, the World Trade Center disaster would still be unresolved, as Mr. Malcolm would not want to break from previous board decisions. I guess our board feels taking the path of least resistance or not making a decision is an appropriate course of action.

The action of Mr. Malcolm and Sandra Nicholson, who claim they voted to not allow the donation of the buses based on decisions the board has made in the past, is absolutely ludicrous. When was the last time they had a vote regarding the largest disaster affecting more than 500,000 residents in the United States? Never! These disasters are when you set new precedents.

Shelter should welcome those trying to help

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times.

On Sept. 7, I cleaned out my closet of shoes, handbags and clothes. I went to the Holy Ground homeless shelter, and some nice young man helped unload my trunk. I called my daughter and told her about it and, as her husband had recently died, she went through his shoes and clothes and headed for Holy Ground, only to be turned away as they didn't want any more clothes.

If they didn't want contributions of clothes, then they should have kept their mouths shut. I think it's cruel and mean not to have accepted the kindness of someone trying to help others.

Then, someone tried to have some school buses donated only to have that idea jerked away by the Hernando County School Board. There are times when I think Pasco and Hernando counties are very lacking in their feelings toward others in need. Right now, I'm not so proud to be from Pasco, and my daughter from Hernando.

School Board's decision sets poor example for kids

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times.

I have a question for the Hernando County School Board: Why, if the vote was 2-2, were the buses not donated? Do they have a way of deciding a tie that most people don't know? I'm truly interested. I know when I watch sports teams tie, there are no losers or winners.

It saddens me that this took place in the community where I live with schoolchildren. Our school leaders chose a path of indifference. Both my kids are stunned and appalled at this decision. I try to teach empathy, compassion, kindness and, most of all, generosity. None of which Sandra Nicholson or James Malcolm displayed. I can't explain to my children why, when there is an abundance of buses ready to go and aid families of this horrific disaster, the board did not step up to the plate.

I am proud to know Pat Fagan and Robert Wiggins, and especially John and Debbie Druzbick, took the bat to the plate and chose to hit it out of the ballpark. It is amazing that in two to three days, the Druzbicks got some of the buses. Families will be able to start over. People whose lives are shattered will have the chance to start picking up the pieces. A chance for some kind of normalcy for their children. They did a great thing, and I say "thank you."

The facts still remain. Our School Board took a wrong turn - big time! Look at yourself in the mirror, Ms. Nicholson and Mr. Malcolm; this coast might be the next to be destroyed by a hurricane, your life might be shattered and there might not be anyone to give you a ride.

Donating buses could have created lawsuits

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times.

After Hurricane Katrina, everyone wants to do something. But they should consider if their efforts are effective.

Hernando County's old school buses to be sent for auction are no longer fit for the service of schoolchildren. Are they're good enough to transport hurricane evacuees?

Would the donation of five buses open the county to a liability lawsuit if something goes wrong?

It is laudable that funds were raised to buy three buses at auction.

Caveat emptor.

Board was right to not donate taxpayers' buses

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times.

Certainly, I am sympathetic to and sorrowful for the suffering in New Orleans. Certainly, the Katrina disaster required the utmost consideration, even to the extremes.

But, when Hernando County School Board members advocate giving away buses (taxpayer money), it is time to replace the members. The same applies to the editors who advocated the same. Replace them.

What were they thinking? And, what would be next?

When School Board members lose perspective, they can no longer be entrusted with the welfare of the schools, students and teachers.

John Druzbick, Robert Wiggins, Pat Fagan and the editor can give away their money, but not the taxpayers' money. Druzbick and company, it is time for you to go.

The private purchase of the buses was the way to go, and they have money remaining for service and repair.

[Last modified September 13, 2005, 01:45:22]